Configurable ergonomic keyboard for computing devices

ABSTRACT

A configurable keyboard. The configurable keyboard includes a base with a top face, and a top edge. A position adjustable panel containing keyboard keys. The position adjustable panel is attached to the base by a position adjustment device. The position adjustment device includes a shaft and a first connector. The shaft is attached, towards a bottom end, to the base. The first connector connects the position adjustable panel to the shaft.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of computers, andmore particularly to configurable ergonomic keyboards for computingdevices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An ergonomic keyboard is a computer keyboard designed with ergonomicfeatures which can minimize the degree of muscle strain, and a host ofrelated problems, experienced by a user. Typically such keyboards areconstructed in a V shape to allow right and left hands to type at aslight angle which can be more natural and comfortable to the humanform.

Standard computer keyboards have evolved into devices having a pluralityof alphanumeric and function keys. The inclusion of the numerous keysrequires standard keyboards to be relatively large and of a substantialweight. This size and weight is further exacerbated with the inclusionof ergonomic features in the design of keyboards. As a desktopenvironment typically has less demanding size and weight restrictions ascompared to a portable or laptop computer, these restrictions do notpresent a significant drawback in standard desktop computer design.However, this is not the case with most laptop computers.

Laptop computers are designed, by definition, to be portable. Thus,laptop computer design is constrained by device size and weight. Theseconstraints dictate a compact size keyboard which typically incorporatesa limited number of function keys and which, by necessity, does nottypically include a numeric keypad or ergonomic design features. Giventhe general design constraints of size and weight, the keyboardsincluded with most laptop computers are not ergonomic and may beun-natural, uncomfortable, and potentially damaging to the bodies ofusers.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a configurable keyboard,facilitating ergonomic configuration and compact storage of theconfigurable keyboard.

The configurable keyboard of the present invention includes a base witha top face, and a top edge. A position adjustable panel containingkeyboard keys. The position adjustable panel is attached to the base bya position adjustment device. The position adjustment device includes ashaft and a first connector. The shaft is attached, towards a bottomend, to the base. The first connector connects the position adjustablepanel to the shaft.

The keyboard in use has multiple planes and degrees of freedom allowingfor adjustable ergonomic configurations to be made to the keyboard. Whenthe keyboard is not in use, a user can collapse the keyboard into a morecompact configuration to facilitate transport.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote similarelements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computer that is configured to beclosing ready, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of computer that is configured to bekeyboard configuration ready, in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portable computer illustrating aconfiguration ready keyboard piece and a closing ready keyboard piece,in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a portable computer, configured to be keyboardconfiguration ready, is illustrating keyboard pieces adjusted to themaximum elevation possible, in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a portable computer, configured to bekeyboard configuration ready, with both keyboard pieces rotated awayfrom monitor, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a portable computer, configured to bekeyboard configuration ready, with both keyboard pieces rotated towardmonitor, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a computer, configured to be keyboardconfiguration ready, with a keyboard piece, and associated keyboardposition adjustment device, shown in the keyboard configuration readyconfiguration, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a detailed illustration of a keyboard position adjustmentdevice, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Two common types of ergonomic keyboards are fixed-split ergonomickeyboards and adjustable-split ergonomic keyboards. A fixed-splitergonomic keyboard is a single keyboard, with the keys separated intogroups, allowing the user to type with their hands and wrists at adifferent angle than the typical straight keyboard. An adjustable-splitergonomic keyboard has the keyboard split into independent pieces,typically within a single plane and with a single axis of rotation, suchthat the angle separating the pieces can be customized. Anadjustable-split ergonomic keyboard does provide a level ofcustomizability to a user. However, this customizability is oftenlimited to a single plane or axis of movement and usually can not beincorporated into the design of a laptop computer. A more fullyergonomic keyboard can be created if multiple planes or axis of movementare customizable such that a user can modify the keyboard to accommodatedesired angles of supination/pronation, radial deviation/ulnardeviation, and flexion/extension, as well as the elevation of thehand(s) and wrist(s) of the user.

The angle of supination is the angle of upward rotation of the hand(s)and forearm(s) of the user, specifically the degree to which the palm(s)faces upward. The angle of pronation is the downward angle of rotationof the hand(s) and forearm(s) of the user, specifically the degree towhich the palm(s) faces downward. The angle of radial/ulnar deviation isthe angle formed between a reference line and a hand line as seen from atop down view, wherein the hand is moved to the right or left using thewrist. The reference line is herein defined as a line that passesthrough center of the forearm, the center of the wrist and extend outpast the hand. A hand line is herein defined as a straight line passingthrough a straight middle finger and hand (e.g., a hand placed palm downon a table, with the fingers together and fully extended) to the pointwhere it intersects the reference line. The angle of flexion/extensionof the hand(s) and wrist(s) is herein defined as the angle formed by theintersection of the reference line and the hand line as seen from a sideview.

The invention will now be discussed by way of example with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

In FIG. 1, a computer 100 is depicted, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. In general, the computer 100 illustrated inFIG. 1 is a portable computer that is configured to be closing ready,i.e., the keyboard is in a collapsed and locked configuration. Thecollapsed and locked configuration of the keyboard allows computer 100to be closed, i.e., as in the configuration of a closed book. A computer100, that is configured to be keyboard configuration ready, i.e., thekeyboard is ready to be adjusted to a more ergonomic configuration isdepicted in FIG. 2-6 with keyboard pieces that have been unlocked,adjusted and then re-locked into a more comfortable (ergonomic)configuration for use according to the desires of a user. In general,computer 100 can be a notebook computer or a netbook computer, i.e. aportable computer or computing device with a keyboard. Alternatively,computer 100 can be any type of computer that includes a keyboard.

In this exemplary embodiment, computer 100 includes two primary parts,namely a monitor 115 and a computer body 109. Computer body 109 is abase, which contains and provides connections for various components, ina manner more fully described below. Monitor 115 is connected to a topedge 108 of computer body 109. In general, the computer body 109includes similar components to a standard laptop computer, as is knownin the art, such as a keyboard, disk drive, and various I/O ports forconnecting to peripheral devices such as a printer, external disc drive,etc., and may receive operating power from a battery or AC power source.Computer body 109 also includes a top face hereafter referred to as topface 110.

In this exemplary embodiment, monitor 115 of computer 100 can be astandard laptop or notebook computer monitor as is known in the art.Such monitors move back and forth, to flip up into an open position orfold down into a closed position, similar to the opening and closing ofa book. In an alternate embodiment, monitor 115 comprises a gyroscopicconnection to the computer, i.e., a connection which provides rotationor tilting of said monitor along at least two different axes, as opposedto current laptop and notebook monitors which rotate along one axisonly. In an alternate embodiment, monitor 115 connects to the systemunit using a gyroscopic ball or hinge, allowing it to rotate left andright in addition to opening up and folding down. Thus, a user canadjust the right to left angle of the monitor to show the screen tosomeone sitting on the left or right side, to avoid lighting problemssuch as glare or reflections on the screen (e.g. from a sunny window),to move the screen away from view by someone nearby, or as desired by auser.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, top face 110 of computerbody 109, included in computer 100, defines a keyboard mounting and/orlocation region. In some embodiments, the keyboard can be incorporatedas a component of a computing device using, for example, a wiredconnection or a wireless connection. In this exemplary embodiment, thekeyboard of computer 100 is divided in two position adjustable panels,herein referred to as first keyboard 114 and second keyboard 112. Firstkeyboard 114 and second keyboard 112 are each attached to a givencomputer body 109 by a respective position adjustment device, hereinreferred to as a device 400, which is housed in a further respectivecavity 126. In this exemplary embodiment, first keyboard 114 is attachedto device 400 at keyboard edge 113 and second keyboard 112 is attachedto device 400 at keyboard edge 111. However, the point of attachment ofa given keyboard piece, e.g., first keyboard 114, can vary in otherembodiments. Device 400 and cavity 126 will be discussed in greaterdetail below as applicable.

In this exemplary embodiment, computer 100 of FIG. 1 illustrates an opencomputer in a closing ready configuration with first keyboard 114 andsecond keyboard 112 collapsed and locked into top face 110. Thecollapsed and locked configuration of first keyboard 114 and secondkeyboard 112 allows computer 100 to be closed (i.e., as in theconfiguration of a closed book).

In this exemplary embodiment, first keyboard 114 and second keyboard 112of computer 100 (FIG. 2) illustrate keyboard pieces that have beenunlocked, adjusted and then re-locked into a more comfortable(ergonomic) configuration for use according to the desires of a user.The respective device 400 and cavity 126 of first keyboard 114 areeclipsed from view, by first keyboard 114, in FIG. 2 but still exist.When computer 100 is arranged to be keyboard configuration ready, thelocking mechanisms respective to one or both first keyboard 114 andsecond keyboard 112 are released. Once released, first keyboard 114and/or second keyboard 112 are elevated above top face 110 by device400, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this exemplary embodiment, the levelof elevation of first keyboard 114 and second keyboard 112 above topface 110 is adjustable within the limits defined below (see thediscussion of FIGS. 3 and 4).

In FIG. 3, a side elevated view of a computer 100 is illustrated withfirst keyboard 114 shown as elevated to the minimum elevation possibleabove top face 110 (i.e., keyboard configuration ready) while secondkeyboard 112 remains locked into the computer body 109, i.e., secondkeyboard 112 is configured to be closing ready. In FIG. 4, a side viewof a computer 100 is illustrated with both first keyboard 114 and secondkeyboard 112 shown in the maximum elevation possible, for a keyboard ofthis embodiment, with first keyboard 114 tilted toward monitor 115 andtop edge 108, while second keyboard 112 is tilted away from monitor 115and top edge 108. The independent variation in respective elevation offirst keyboard 114 and second keyboard 112 allow the height of firstkeyboard 114 and second keyboard 112 to be modified, within the limitsof minimum and maximum elevation, according to user preferences.However, in this exemplary embodiment, a minimum elevation must bemaintained to allow the full functioning of device 400, which requiresthe minimum elevation (clearance) for movement, tilting and pivoting(rotation) of first keyboard 114 and second keyboard 112.

The tilting and pivoting of first keyboard 114 and second keyboard 112allow modification of the respective angles and declination associatedwith first keyboard 114, second keyboard 112 and of the respectiveangles of supination and pronation, radial deviation and ulnardeviation, and flexion and extension of the hand(s) and wrist(s) of theuser.

In this embodiment, modified angles of declination respective to firstkeyboard 114 and second keyboard 112 are illustrated in FIG. 4. Theangle of declination is herein defined as the angle made by a descendingline, or plane, with a horizontal plane. Therefore, in this embodiment,the horizontal plane is computer body 109 and the descending plane isdefined by the orientation of first keyboard 114 or second keyboard 112respectively. By tilting first keyboard 114 or second keyboard 112toward or away from monitor 115 and top edge 108 the respective angle ofdeclination, between computer body 109 and first keyboard 114 or secondkeyboard 112, is changed and the associated angle of flexion andextension experienced by the hand(s) and wrist(s) of the user is therebyadjusted. In general, the tilting of first keyboard 114 and secondkeyboard 112 away from monitor 115 and top edge 108, i.e., the keys onthe respective keyboard are not facing monitor 115, see FIG. 4, secondkeyboard 112, is considered the preferable configuration since such aconfiguration is typically known to reduce the level of strainexperienced by the hand(s) and wrist(s) of most users. However, toprovide added versatility, keyboards 114 and 112 of computer 100, can betilted toward monitor 115 and top edge 108, i.e., see FIG. 4, whereinthe keys on first keyboard 114 are facing monitor 115.

In this exemplary embodiment, first keyboard 114 and second keyboard 112can be rotated toward or away from monitor 115 and top edge 108 toadjust the angle of radial deviation and ulnar deviation. In FIG. 5, atop down view of computer 100 is illustrated with first keyboard 114 andsecond keyboard 112 both depicted as rotated away from monitor 115 andtop edge 108. In general, first keyboard 114 and second keyboard 112 areto be considered rotated away from monitor 115 and top edge 108 ifrespective keyboard side 113 and keyboard side 111, as shown in FIG. 5,are rotated such that they face monitor 115 and top edge 108. Forexample, in FIG. 5, a line extending perpendicular from keyboard side113 would appear to move closer to monitor 115 as first keyboard 114 isrotated away from monitor 115 and top edge 108.

In FIG. 6, a top plan view of computer 100 is illustrated with firstkeyboard 114 and second keyboard 112 are rotated toward monitor 115 andtop edge 108. Thus, respective keyboard side 113 and keyboard side 111are rotated such that they face away from monitor 115 and top edge 108.For example, in FIG. 6, a line extending perpendicular from keyboardside 113 would appear to move away from monitor 115 and top edge 108 asfirst keyboard 114 is rotated toward from monitor 115 and top edge 108.In general, the rotation (adjustment) of first keyboard 114 and secondkeyboard 112 toward monitor 115 and top edge 108 is consideredpreferable since such a configuration is typically known to reduce thelevel of strain experienced by the wrist(s) of most users. However, toprovide added versatility keyboards 114 and 112 can be rotated away frommonitor 115 and top edge 108 (see the discussion of FIG. 3 for furtherdetails).

In this exemplary embodiment, the computer 100 of FIG. 7 illustrates aclose-up view of first keyboard 114 shown as elevated to the minimumelevation possible above top face 110, i.e., first keyboard 114 isconfiguration ready. The respective cavity 128 and cavity 126, which canrespectively hold first keyboard 114 and respective device 400, aredepicted in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, only an upward section of device 400 isvisible (see the discussion of FIG. 8 below for further detailsregarding device 400). In this exemplary embodiment, computer base 110includes a cavity 128 of sufficient size and depth to allow storage,i.e., collapsed and locked into top face 110, of a respective firstkeyboard 114 or second keyboard 112 such that computer 100 can beconfigured into a closing ready configuration.

In this exemplary embodiment, computer base 110 includes cavity 126 ofsufficient size and depth to allow storage of device 400 when computer100 is configured into a closing ready configuration. In someembodiments, cavity 126 is also of sufficient dimensions to allowrotation of device 400 (and the associated first keyboard 114 or 112)toward and away from monitor 115 and top edge 108. Further detailsregarding the rotation of device 400 will be discussed later with regardto the discussion of FIG. 8.

In this exemplary embodiment, device 400 is a keyboard positionadjustment device that provides the various tilting, rotational andother adjustment attributes associated with first keyboard 114 andsecond keyboard 112, as discussed above. Although the discussion of FIG.8 will be limited to device 400 attached to first keyboard 114, it is tobe understood that similar properties and functionalities would apply toa given device 400 attached to second keyboard 112. In general, a simpledevice 400 can include as few as three parts, namely a first connector,a shaft 134, and a locking/releasing mechanism, all of which aredescribed in detail below.

An exemplary embodiment of device 400, illustrated in FIG. 8, isconnected to first keyboard 114 (which is shown as transparent to betterillustrate the connectivity of device 400 and first keyboard 114).Device 400 attaches to first keyboard 114 using a first part 130 b of afirst connector 130 that facilitates rotatable connection of firstkeyboard 114 relative to second part 130 a of first connector 130. Ingeneral, first connector 130 is composed of first part 130 b and secondpart 130 a. However, in this embodiment, first connector furtherincludes a third optional component, an extendable/retractable shaft 134(as illustrated in FIG. 8. By expanding and contracting shaft 134, firstconnector 130 extends and retracts in length, i.e., part 130 a movestoward or away from 130 b, thereby moving first keyboard 114 toward oraway from second keyboard 112. Exemplary embodiments of first connector130 allow the tilting, i.e., adjustment of the angle of declination, offirst keyboard 114. First connector 130 is pivotably attached to theexterior surface of shaft 132 by second part 130 a such that parts 130 band 134 can be rotated around shaft 132. In other embodiments, firstconnector 130 is pivotably attached to the interior surface of shaft 132by second part 130 a such that parts 130 b and 134 can be rotated aroundshaft 132. The rotation of first connector 130 relative to shaft 132provides an additional plane of movement (i.e., additional degree(s) offreedom) for first keyboard 114, which allows for adjustment of theangle of radial deviation and ulnar deviation associated with firstkeyboard 114. By rotating around shaft 134, edge 113 of first keyboard114 is moved toward or away monitor 115 and top edge 108 as described inthe discussions of FIGS. 5 and 6.

Shaft 132 is adjustable, in this exemplary embodiment, which allowsfirst keyboard 114 to be raised and lowered. In this embodiment, firstconnector 130 is fixed to a top 120 of shaft 132 and it is through theraising and lowering of shaft 132 that first keyboard 114 is raised andlowered thereby providing the minimum and maximum elevation as describedabove. In an alternate embodiment, shaft 132 is fixed in place byattaching a bottom 118 of shaft 132 to computer base 110, to the bottomof cavity 126. First connector 130 can slide up and down a length ofshaft 132 to provide the minimum and maximum elevation as describedabove, thereby yielding two of the three parts of a simple device 400.In yet other embodiments, first shaft 132 is composed of two or morenesting cylinders, or the like, that compose a shaft that is extendableand retractable (possibly using springs or hydraulics to assist in themovement).

In this exemplary embodiment, shaft 132 is attached to computer base110, to the bottom of cavity 126, by second connector. In general,second connector 136 is composed of parts 136 a and 136 b. In thisexemplary embodiment, part 136 a is connected to the exterior surface ofshaft 132 and allows the elevation of shaft 132 to be adjusted such thatthe elevation of first keyboard 114, relative to computer 110, isadjusted. In other embodiments, second connector 136 is rotatablyattached to the interior surface of shaft 132 by second part 136 a. Part136 b is rotatably attached to part 136 a such that top 120 of shaft 132can be rotated toward or away from monitor 115. Part 136 a is attachedto computer base 110, i.e., to the bottom of cavity 126. Thus, rotationof the top (120) of shaft 132 away from monitor 115 moves first keyboard114 away from monitor 115. In this exemplary embodiment, secondconnector 136 further includes an optional third component, namely anextendable/retractable shaft 138 (as illustrated in FIG. 8).Extendable/retractable shaft 138 allows second connector 136 to expandand contract in length (i.e., part 136 a moves toward or away from 136b) thereby changing the distance between first keyboard 114 and secondkeyboard 112. In some embodiments, the dimensions of cavity 126 mayrequire modification to prevent first shaft 132 from impacting an edgeor side of cavity 126, e.g., due to the degree of rotation of shaft 132and/or the degree of extension of shaft 138 that are possible in a givenembodiment.

Lastly, in this exemplary embodiment, device 400 includes locking andunlocking devices, parts 122 and 124 located on top 120 of shaft 132,that can be used to lock/unlock first keyboard 114 into/from a desiredconfiguration. By engaging the locking device, the position of firstkeyboard 114 can be locked into place and further adjustment of theconfiguration of first keyboard 114 is inhibited. If a user desires tore-configure the position of first keyboard 114 or to configure computer100 into a closing ready configuration, the unlocking device can beengaged and first keyboard 114 re-adjusted to the next desiredconfiguration.

Having described this invention with regard to specific embodiments, itis to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitationsince further embodiments, modifications and variations may be apparentor may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. It is intendedthat the present application cover all such embodiments, modificationsand variations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A configurable keyboard comprising: a base with atop face, and a top edge that is between a display device and the base;a plurality of position adjustable panels containing keyboard keys, eachposition adjustable panel having a position adjustment device thatcorresponds to that position adjustable panel, each position adjustablepanel being attached to the base by a corresponding position adjustmentdevice, orientations of the plurality of position adjustable panels areindependently adjustable; each position adjustment device including: ashaft, the shaft being attached towards a bottom end to the base,wherein the shaft is permanently connected to a fixed position of atleast a portion of the base included in a cavity; and a first connector,the first connector connecting a position adjustable panel of theplurality of position adjustable panels to the shaft, the firstconnector being attached to the exterior surface of the shaft, theposition of said first connector being adjustable along a length of theshaft; wherein a position adjustment device that corresponds to theposition adjustable panel facilitates adjustment of the positionadjustable panel from a compact configuration to a customizedconfiguration and has a range of rotation such that the positionadjustable panel is rotatable toward the top edge.
 2. The keyboard as inclaim 1, wherein the first connector is pivotably attached to the shaft,towards a top end of the shaft, such that the position adjustable panelcan be pivoted toward or away from the top edge of the base.
 3. Thekeyboard as in claim 1, wherein the first connector is rotationallyattached to the position adjustable panel, such that an angle ofdeclination formed by a given position adjustable panel and the base canbe adjusted by the rotation of said position adjustable panel.
 4. Thekeyboard as in claim 1, wherein the position adjustment device adjusts adistance between the top face of the base and a given positionadjustable panel to allow movement of the position adjustable panel suchthat various angles of supination and pronation, radial deviation andulnar deviation, and flexion and extension of a hand and a wrist of auser are accommodated.
 5. The keyboard as in claim 1, the firstconnector being pivotably attached towards a top end of the shaft andbeing attached to an exterior surface of the shaft.
 6. The keyboard asin claim 1, the shaft, attached towards the bottom end to the base, ispivotably attached to said base.
 7. The keyboard as in claim 1, theshaft, attached towards the bottom end to the base, further includes asecond connector therebetween.
 8. The keyboard as in claim 7, the secondconnector being attached to an exterior surface of the shaft.
 9. Thekeyboard as in claim 8, the second connector being attached to anexterior surface of the shaft, the position of said second connectorbeing adjustable along a length of the shaft.
 10. The keyboard as inclaim 7, the second connector being pivotably attached to the base. 11.The keyboard as in claim 7, the second connector being pivotablyattached to the shaft.
 12. The keyboard of claim 1, further includingone or more locking and release mechanisms that lock one or morerotatable or adjustable elements of the position adjustment devicepreventing further adjustment or rotation, and unlock one or more of therotatable or adjustable elements allowing further adjustment orrotation.
 13. The keyboard as in claim 1, the base of the keyboard beingincorporated into a body of at least one portable computing device, theportable computing device being one of a laptop computer, a netbookcomputer, or a notebook computer.
 14. The keyboard as in claim 1, thekeyboard being incorporated as a component of a computing device via aat least one of a wired connection or a wireless connection.
 15. Thekeyboard as in claim 13, the portable computing device including aportable computer body, and a cavity in the body of the portablecomputing device with an opening to a top surface of the portablecomputer body, the cavity containing one or more of the positionadjustable panel, first connector, second connector, and shaft when theportable computing device is in a closed configuration.
 16. The keyboardas in claim 1, wherein the position adjustment device is attached to aside of the position adjustable panel.
 17. The keyboard as in claim 1,wherein the position adjustable panel is configured to recess, at leastin part, into a cavity in the base.